Behind the Scenes Paris

A lot of time and effort goes into researching, writing and photographing a story and today I thought I’d bring you a ‘behind the scenes’ glimpse of my time in Paris.

Yesterday afternoon, Vincent Bourdon, a friend and professional photographer who also took some shots for DeliciousDays, joined me at Le Pavillon de la Reine to create a blog post. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the hotel is hidden down a cobbled lane right on the breathtaking Place des Vosges: I shall bring you the full story at a later date.

Jane Paech, Hotel Pavillon de la Reine. Photo: Vincent Bourdon.

While Vincent photographed the bathroom of Suite de la Reine I was madly scribbling notes in the bedroom. There were also notes scribbled above the bed, from the 17th century. The originals are stored safe and sound in the Bibliotheque Nationale, the National Library of France.

While Vincent took shots of the bedroom, I waited out of sight in the deep, claw-footed bath.

Jane Paech, Hotel Pavillon de la Reine. Photo: Vincent Bourdon

We scouted the courtyard and gardens, the library and common rooms, even the corridors to get a feel for the place.

Jane Paech, Hotel Pavillon de la Reine. Photo: Vincent Bourdon

Notes and photos taken, we took a leisurely afternoon tea at Carette, a lovely tea salon just a few doors down under the cloisters of Place des Vosges.

Jane Paech, Afternoon tea at Carette. Photo: Vincent Bourdon

What better way to end an afternoon than to share a plate of confetti-coloured mini macarons in flavours of pistachio, rose, cassis, raspberry and orange flower.